A Proposal of Classification of Participatory Mechanisms in Argentina

Abstract

This article proposes a classification of the existing participatory mechanisms in Argentina, based on the hypothesis which claims that such instances crystallize institutionally the diversity of elements of what we call “legitimacy of proximity”. First, we define this new form of democratic legitimacy. Next, we discuss the variables commonly used by specialized scholars to classify participatory mechanisms. Finally, we propose our classification. Depending on a variety of elements that characterize the “legitimacy of proximity” we distinguish: participation-experience mechanisms (Participatory Budget), participationpresence mechanisms (“Banca Abierta” and “Concejo en los Barrios”), participationdenunciation mechanisms (Anti-Corruption Bureau), participationimmediacy mechanisms (Security Forums and Urban Hygiene Committee), and participation-recognition mechanisms (Consultative Councils of Elderly and Handicapped Persons, and Young Participatory Budget).